Over The Counter Elk - Colorado style

[Big Fin]

Think I have been up to high. The tracks are all heading downhill. 20" of stiff snow had probably debt them to better feed. Spent six hours hiking some of the most beautiful country. Just not any elk, which is a critical part of an elk episode.

Moving down about 800' in elevation this evening. Trying to find what elevation they are at, then find the most remote terrain at that elevation.

A very nice day. 9F when we left the truck at 6:00 AM. Now it is probably 35F. Almost too nice.

 

[npaden]

Kinda nice to be able to tell if there are any around by looking at the tracks (or lack of them) in the snow. That's how it was on my New Mexico hunt, no point in hunting high if the elk are low.

 

[idnative1948]

Yup. When you go on a trip that covers three hunts, for different locations and species, the amount of junk you need to carry is cumbersome. Add the cameras, tapes, chargers, tripods, reflectors, audio set ups, and other bundles of camera gear and I look like a portable sporting goods store that received an inventory shipment from Best Buy.

But some things you just don't leave at home - like a Jet Sled when you know there will be snow on the ground.

That's why I keep coming back here. I have two Jet Sleds we use to snowmobile into our shack in SE Oregon in the winter. Old dogs can learn new tricks after all. Have added the sled to my list for 2012. Who would have thunk? And putting the runners on the bottom?
That is going to save a couple of crashes for the six miles in. Can't wait to try it....

 

[Brandenbowhunter]

Go get 'em RAndy...good luck!

 

[POk3s]

It is well passed dark and no update....I'm hoping that's a good sign.

 

[Big Fin]

Just in. Spotted eight elk down lower right at dark. Far off and one legal bull. Could not close the gap in time for shooting light. Cameras can be a PITA, but a necessity for telling of the story.

Will be up and at them, very, very early. Going to be on the ridge above those elk well before daylight and hoping the bull is still feeding contently. Lots of traffic there, but not many seem willing to walk to these glassing points and it seems most would shy away from having to haul and elk out of this hole.

Sorry for the late reply. We are getting closer to success. It does seem the elk sign down lower is more plentiful. Now, all I need it one legal bull to make himself visible during filming light.

 

[POk3s]

Good luck in the AM finny! I will be eagerly waiting the news along with everybody else

 

[Blacktailbc]

Good luck Randy.

 

[DavidKeenan]

Go get em man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we had to come home early. The guys I went with had a medical emergency and we cam home yesterday. l had a blast in the snow with a few spotted but never got on them. later

 

[IdahoBugler]

I have a good feeling about today. Good luck buddy and get your hands bloody.

 

[Big Fin]

I wish Dinkshooter was here right now. I leave early, get up and start driving in. As I near my parking area, a convoy of eight ATVs is on my tail. I pull over and let them pass, knowing I am close to where I want to be. Just need ti drive a little further, then walk out to the end of this point and glass for the bull.

Sounded good, at least. Right now, nine ATVs are parked at the spot I planned. Hunters are everywhere. One in their group told me they saw a bull here yesterday and someone in their dozen hopes to get him.

I think I am hunting too low. Gotta get to where these guys can't drive, 'cause many of them don't look very capable of hunting too far from the roads and trails.

Will post pictures later.

Time to find a new place for the test of the hunt.

 

[putm2sleep]

Another gorgeous day, go get into them BigFin! Good luck today man.

 

[T Bone]

Pay no attention to the presence of the ATV'ers. Most don't get more than 200 yards from the machine.

 

[wingman1]

Stay focused young grasshopper.

 

[putm2sleep]

hahahahahhahahahahaha, yes focus.

 

[dhottell]

The best part about ATV hunters is that at least you know where the elk, deer, bear, antelope, bunnies, etc are not.

 

[the nikster]

Just need ti drive a little further, then walk out to the end of this point and glass for the bull.

Time to find a new place for the test of the hunt.

The more time goes by the more Randy spells like Moosie!

 

[krshunter]

The more time goes by the more Randy spells like Moosie!

I understood every think he said. I dint know why you'e hading problems.

 

[Brandenbowhunter]

Randy,

Are you saying they are "FAT!"

 

[Big Fin]

The more time goes by the more Randy spells like Moosie!

Hey, smart phones and fat fingers don't make a good combo. If I get as bad as Moosie, I will just do picture stories.